Monthly Archives

September 2021

Entertainment

Hya, Alfa Join Alessandra de Rossi-helmed AWOOO Records

Alessandra de Rossi is now setting her sights on different waters from the success of her directorial debut My Amanda in July. Which she’s revisited more vigorously as of late: adopting the functional moniker ADR, reissuing her 2012 debut Adrift via Lilystars Records, even penning songs for her films. And no, De Rossi isn’t simply pimping playlists or fawning over new discoveries on her socials. She’s taking things a notch higher, putting up her own label AWOOO Records, which she’s formally unveiling to the public yesterday (September 24) after making an under-the-radar announcement earlier in the month.

To the character-actress-turned-indie-darling, it’s not so much about scratching a visionary itch but passing deserving talents the mic. “I think [Filipinos] really stand a chance in changing how the world looks and sounds,” she says, confident that local music can enjoy the same attention other art forms like cinema are getting. “All we need is to offer something pure, peculiar, and distinct. I think we can make it, too!”

And “pure, peculiar, and distinct” was precisely what she saw in AWOOO’s two inaugural artists, both women: the Fil-German San Carlos City chanteuse Hya, and the SoCal-based singer-songwriter Alfa. The former was a talent-show champ who’s previously made the rounds—Rising Stars Philippines, Just Duet, The Will to Win—before landing a spot in Bangon Talentadong Pinoy, where De Rossi was a judge who found herself fangirling instantly.

“She sounded like an angel, and my world just stopped. I knew in my heart that this girl, given a chance, could be someone new singers can look up to,” De Rossi says of Hya (or Lee’Anna Weber Layumas), whose impressive range and knack for soothing melodies the actress also singled out. Her lilting debut single “Raindrops,” arranged and co-produced with Nick Lazaro for La Balls Studio, is out today.

Alfa, whom Eric Gnezda of PBS’ Songs at the Center calls “everything you want in a singer-songwriter,” is a schooled multi-instrumentalist who gravitated towards songcraft very early on, eventually releasing three albums, an EP, and snagging herself top honors in the world category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2020.

While shades of chill wave and ambient pop permeate the music of AWOOO’s banner artists, De Rossi insists she is more after a feeling. “As long as you make me feel something, or if you make me feel like I’m not alone—when your music can be my best friend—it really becomes AWOOO,” she says playfully, speaking of how Hya provides “courage in times of unrest” and how Alfa “sings like no one is listening.”

“A world of our own” or AWOOO is a sublabel of Lilystars Records, whose head honcho Clem Castro serves as partner and de facto adviser. “It took twenty years for people to actually believe in me,” the AWOOO label head says, alluding to her slow but steady ascent in film and television. “I hope God blesses me with the right people, so that I can serve these artists and they don’t have to wait as long to be heard and understood.”  

 

Lifestyle

Throughout the Pandemic, Scholastic and its Reading Partners Remain Committed to Promoting Reading

Scholastic, a renowned leader in education, recognized its partner schools and educators in the 2021 Scholastic Readers Cup, which was broadcast live on the Scholastic Asia Teachers Facebook page on September 23rd. Scholastic has partnered with classrooms and homes around the world for 101 years, and everything Scholastic has done and continues to do is based on a love of reading and a belief in its power. The purpose of Scholastic is to make reading a priority in children’s life.

Scholastic Philippines launched the nationwide Readers Cup in 2012 to inspire and push its literacy program partners to turn their schools into reading communities. And, year after year, an increasing number of schools would meet their reading goals and take pleasure in their libraries, which had grown to be one of the busiest and most efficient areas of the school.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the sudden shift to distance learning, Scholastic and its partner schools did not waver in their reading advocacy.  They understood how books and reading are fundamental, and how reading is necessary not just for the continuity of learning, but also for the readers’ delight and personal well-being.

Through the PR1ME English Program, Scholastic’s partner schools had access to Literacy Pro Library –                 a growing digital library of 1,600+ eBooks that enriched learning and that motivated pleasure reading.                         To aid teachers, PR1ME English also made available instructional resources (both print and digital) and lesson videos for synchronous and asynchronous distance learning.

Mr. Joven Sierra Llabore, PR1ME English Coordinator of Assumption Iloilo has this to say about the Literacy Pro Library – “The LitPro Library is the coolest!  Learners can access books whenever and wherever they want to, as long as they have Internet connection.  One of our learners read more than 500 books because she just loves to read.”

Some school libraries, like that of Early Christian College of Arts and Technology (1st place winner in the 2021 Readers Cup Diamond Category), also resumed their lending services through curbside pick-up or bookmobiles.  The books in their Scholastic Reading Centers found their way to children’s homes to provide children comfort and hope, and to take them to adventures in the wonderful world of books.

With Scholastic’s support, many schools continued with their reading campaigns.  Rookie of the Year Awardee, Maria Ferrari School Inc., for example, had regular read aloud sessions with their students, and the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day to encourage independent reading.

Scholastic’s General Manager, Jane Tiongco-Aguirre, proudly reported that the learners in Scholastic’s partner schools even increased their reading rate in SY 2020-2021 by 36% from their readership in  SY 2019-2020.  A fantastic achievement during a challenging “pandemic” school year, when many expected that pleasure reading might be put aside.

Steadfast Reading Champions

Scholastic is grateful to find in many Philippine schools dedicated and loyal partners in their reading advocacy.  And, with great pride and admiration, they announced that 80 of their partner schools have reached their reading target, with many far-exceeding the goal of 30-books-read per child.

The top winners of the 2021 Readers Cup and their average number of books-read per child are:

DIAMOND CATEGORY:  Early Christian College of Arts & Technology, Inc. (67 books); Our Lady of Peace School Antipolo (66 books); and Philippine Cultural College, Caloocan (64 books)

RUBY CATEGORY:  Iloilo Scholastic Academy (332 books); Stonyhurst Southville International School, Malarayat (103 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Valenzuela (99 books)

EMERALD CATEGORY:  Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba (326 books); University of Batangas Lipa City (168 books); and Virtudes de la Academia, Inc. (157 books)

SYNERGY AWARDS:  Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City and Malarayat (108 books); Casa Del Niño Montessori School System (93 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Pampanga and Valenzuela (84 books)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:  Maria Ferrari School, Inc. (92 books)

Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

The 2021 Readers Cup theme – “Soar into Possibility” – builds on Scholastic’s centennial theme – Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

Celebrity readers and authors joyfully shared their personal ‘reading stories’.  Kakie Pangilinan shared how she was a voracious reader as a child, and how reading has fueled her passion to write.  Martin Del Rosario proudly described himself as a “book lover”, and so did Andrea Torres, who also shared how reading has nurtured her sense of wonder and discovery, imagination, and eloquence.

Filipino authors, Catherine Rose Torres and Joel Donato Ching Jacob, talked about how reading can be our refuge, comfort, and joy during trying times like this pandemic, and proceeded to encourage the youth to write and tell their own stories.

The winning schools shared their journey to becoming a community of readers and the fruits that their learners are reaping from their reading habit.

Mr. Peter Chan, Executive Director of Iloilo Scholastic Academy revealed that their school was guided by these 5Cs in their effort to become a community of readers – Collective efforts, Convincing skills, Conviction, Collaboration, and Consistency.

Ms. Donnabelle Atienza, Principal of Stonyhurst Southville International School – Malarayat, who shared the top Synergy Award with sister school Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City, expressed her delight in how Scholastic’s Reading Program has excited their young learners to read and equipped them to become skilled and confident readers.

Dr. Farah G. Acierto, School Directress of Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba attested that “The Scholastic Reading Program and the Readers Cup Award has made our young CASAns voracious readers, and transformed them to be competitive in ways more than we can imagine.  Declared as national champion in this aspect has made our students feel that reading can make them superior and special.”

The 2021 Readers Cup was a wonderful celebration of books and reading, of writers and storytellers, of readers and those who advocate reading to open a world of more possibilities, chances, and delight for all children.

Visit www.scholastic.asia or www.facebook.com/ScholasticAsia for more information about Scholastic’s educational efforts. Please contact Scholastic Philippines at [email protected] if you have any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Lumina Homes offers more alluring deals! Watch out for this!

Lumina Homes is well-known for providing a secure environment for its residents. It is not only an affordable investment, but it also provides exquisite homes that will undoubtedly be a good deal for the people. It is such a dream house for a family that wants to achieve a safe and wonderful place to live.

Based on their website, The Lumina series of mass housing communities was built in response to the government’s request – and the country’s need – for affordable and socialized housing. Lumina, which was founded in August 2012, aspires to be one of the country’s leading housing developers. In just 8 years, Lumina already has over 50 developments in key locations across the country: Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

Lumina homes range in price from Php 500,000 to Php 1,700,000. They are made of high-quality materials and cost between Php 500,000 and Php 1,700,000. A buyer who qualifies as a “low-income earner” with Pag-IBIG Fund can spend as little as Php 1,898 per month at 3% interest for a brand new home in a safe and secure Lumina community.

Lumina developments are part of master planned communities that include facilities such as a community hall, basketball court, small gardens and playground, as well as commercial areas in the future. Lumina not only creates a self-sustaining community, but it also gives every Juan the pleasure of homeownership by creating in accessible places close to major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, schools, hospitals, and business and leisure facilities.

That’s why Lumina Homes is striving to improve the quality of their houses and bring more exciting projects to satisfy the needs of their residents. One of these newly acquired plans is the three new houses by Lumina Homes in their location in Batangas. I’m so fortunate to see and experience the newest offer of Lumina Homes to their community; it’s the three model houses namely: Adriana Townhouse, Athena Duplex, and Angeli Single Firewall. Lastly, the new space for recreation in the heart of Lumina Homes, the Espacio.

The Three Lumina Homes Model House

  1. ANGELI

The Angeli Single Firewall Model from Lumina Homes is a 42-square-meter home on a 54-square-meter lot. It has a living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as three bedrooms, one toilet and bath, one carport, and a service area. It’s my favorite among the three because it’s the biggest property that can be enjoyed by a big family. It’s also an affordable unit that will suit your budget because of it’s good enough space and for the overall amazing features of the house.

  1. ADRIANA

Lumina Homes’ Adriana Townhouse Model is a 44 square meter home on a regular 42 square meter lot. Its features include a living area, dining & kitchen, 2-bedroom provision, 1 toilet & bath, 1 carport provision, and service area. It’s best for a small family that’s looking for an affordable yet the right amount of space to live in.

  1. ATHENA

The Athena Duplex Model from Lumina Homes is a 53-square-meter home on a 63-square-meter lot. It has a living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as three bedrooms, one family room, one toilet and bath, one carport, and a service area. For those couples who are looking for a house where they can start their family, Athena Duplex is what you’re looking for.

Espacio a new Leisure Place in Lumina Homes

 

Espacio, a new place that will surely be enjoyed by many people because of its features. Inside your Lumina Homes subdivisions, you’ll find Espacio, your new living, leisure, and recreation place. There’s also the multi-purpose hall, a distinctive Lumina Homes facility that may be used for sports tournaments as well as regular community activities like general meetings.

Espacio will also be accompanied by open areas set aside for little gardens, a play area that your children will undoubtedly enjoy, and a jogging trail that will have specific advantages to live a healthy and active lifestyle.  Because Espacio is outfitted with facilities for these vital offices, residents will no longer need to travel to the barangay or city hall, or send their children to daycare outside of the Lumina Homes community. A Health Center, a Day Care Center, a Senior Citizen Center, and a Barangay Center will be located in Espacio.

Residents of Lumina Homes may expect a more secure, fun-filled, and fascinating life with Espacio, which is just a few steps away from their Lumina home. Espacio, strategically located in the heart of Lumina Homes subdivisions, aims to breathe new life into inexpensive rewarding—housing communities like Lumina Homes.

To know more about Lumina Homes you can visit their website at https://www.lumina.com.ph/. You may also visit their facebook and instagram page for more exciting deals and know more about their new units.

 

 

Food, News

McDonald’s All Wheels, All Wins Promo gives riders of all types and sizes the chance to win brand new wheels!

There’s a way if there’s a wheel—especially at McDonald’s Ride-Thru! Riders, drivers, and passengers-on-the-go may look forward with McDonald’s All Wheels, All Wins Promo, which will give them a chance to win thrilling and spectacular raffle items beginning September 5. All they need are their wheels and a minimum of PHP 100 in McDonald’s Ride-Thru receipts.

McDonald’s All Wheels, All Wins Promo will be raffling off different types of rides starting off with one brand-new Chevrolet Tracker LT Redline Edition! This new crossover SUV combines practical functionality, modern athletic design, intelligent connectivity features, and refined engine technology that are ideal for future McDo Ride-Thru drives. The Chevrolet Tracker is also powered by a lightweight, new generation 1.0 Turbo engine packed with smart technologies, giving its riders the best excellent performance it can ever provide.

On top of that, one lucky winner will also receive a set of Yokohama Tires while 10 riders will enjoy Php10,000 worth of Yokohama Gift Certificates each! The Geolandar A/T tire delivers greater durability and longer Life. It provides excellent wet grip and off-road traction.

And since McDonald’s welcomes all kinds of wheels in their Ride-Thru, joining the raffle lineup are the following rides ready to be taken out for an adventurous spin:

  • Three Vespa Primavera Motorcycles
  • Three Yamaha Mio Sporty Motorcycle
  • Three Marlin 5 Mountain Bikes

Customers who ride-thru with a minimum purchase of PHP 100 from September 5 to October 29 are eligible to one e-raffle entry, which must be entered through the McDonald’s App. Customers can simply follow these simple instructions:

So, what do you have to lose? From today through October 29, take your 4-wheelers, 2-wheelers, and 3-wheelers out for a ride to increase your chances of winning these fun and rewarding rides and prizes. Make sure you’re a part of it if you want to win!

The raffle will be drawn in the first week of November, so keep an eye out because you might be the lucky winner. Visit McDonald’s Philippines’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sites for more information. And, because sharing is caring, tell your friends and family about it by posting about it on social media with the hashtags #McDoAllWheelsAllWins and #McDoRideThru!

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

NREA’s first-ever International Housing Fiesta Filipinas welcomes Lumina Homes

Lumina Homes, Vista Land’s affordable housing business, is participating in the National Real Estate Association’s (NREA) 1st International Housing Fiesta Filipinas (IHFF 1), which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today till September 24.

Many investors, homebuyers, and developers even now miss physical real estate trade shows, but virtual events have grown and evolved to the point where attendees see them as more convenient because they save time on travel, allow for faster interaction with exhibition representatives, and, of course, are safer for everyone.

For the participants from the real estate business, meanwhile, the IHFF will allow them to attract not just prospective local buyers but also in the global market.

The three-day online event will be the largest Philippine trade show for real estate and related businesses to be conducted online, where clients can expect exhibits and presentations at a touch of a button.

Lumina Homes is not new in expertly showcasing its products and services online, and new customers can witness this during the IHFF. With just one click while inside the online trade show, interested Filipinos worldwide can interact live—video and audio—with Lumina Homes representatives who will assist in all their inquiries.

Every Juan is invited to attend, while at the comfort of his own home and own desk. Experience the uniqueness of a new normal trade show—a more conducive atmosphere where you can choose Lumina’s various offerings, from house and lots to affordable condominiums—all sans the crowd and noise of a physical show.

IHFF and Lumina Homes invite everyone interested in buying or leasing houses, lots, condominiums, apartments; property investments, such as buy-to-rent, land banking, REITs; housing loans—mortgages, term loans, and alternative financing; contractors, from individual home finishing to project development; construction materials; and home fit out and furnishing fixtures, furnishings, supplies, and services.

The event will also provide consular information and services to better support OFW tourists and expatriates. Big names on the speaker list are helping to make the first-ever IHFF even bigger. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario and Sen. Francis Tolentino, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement, are among them.

Visit this link to see Lumina Homes’ virtual booth: https://bit.ly/IHFF-lumina-homes.

 

 

 

Food

Get your Favorite Tanduay Products this holiday season

Don’t wait till the holiday season to stock up on booze. To purchase your favorite Tanduay goods, go to www.shots.ph. With only a few clicks or touches, you can shop without the trouble. To make your purchasing experience even more convenient, Tanduay’s official e-commerce store offers a variety of product deals that you won’t find anywhere else.

Assorted Bundles

Tanduay’s Asian Rum Gold and Silver are two of its most-awarded products. It has been recognized in numerous international wines and spirits competitions. With the Asian Rum Bundles, you can purchase these products along with add-ons. The bundles are available from PhP1,200 and up.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your rum-loving friends and colleagues, you’ll never go wrong with the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Silver in a specially designed packaging by Kenneth Cobonpue. It also comes with a rock glass designed by the renowned Filipino artist.

Other rum bundles that come with assorted freebies such as chips, ginger ale, and rock glasses are also available. There are bundles for whiskey lovers, too.

Not Just Rum

Not only does www.shots.ph carry Tanduay’s most popular and awarded spirits, it also offers premium Tanduay merchandise. Visit the merchandise page (https://shots.ph/collections/merchandise) for apparel, bags, and collectibles that would be the best gifts for the family.

The Theo, Philo & Tanduay Infused Chocolate is also available in the online store. This specially crafted bar combines Theo & Philo’s famous chocolate flavor with the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold’s oak and honey-like taste with hints of almond and vanilla.

Explore the website to learn more about the latest available products.

Pickup and delivery options are available. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., pickups are available. The Shots PH Headquarters in Kapitolyo, Pasig; and the Tanduay Sales offices in Pampanga, Cebu, and Laguna are all available for pickup. Metro Manila, as well as parts of Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Albay, Laguna, Cavite, Cebu, and GenSan, are served (only in areas without a liquor ban).

You can post a message on Shots by Tanduay’s Facebook page or send a Viber message to 09171330786 for further details.

 

 

 

 

Food

McDonald Philippines advisory, Fake McDelivery Website

Have you ever experience to receive a text or e-mail offering special discounts and promos? McDonald Philippines would like to share with their customers the media advisory to help them remain vigilant against fraudulent activities such as selling counterfeit products online to these kinds of websites that aim to collect one’s payment details. Currently circulating identifying itself to be the official McDonald’s Philippine delivery website, offering special discounts and promos. Here are links to phishing and fraudulent websites [see: http://ph-mcdelivery.onlinehttps://www.ph-mcdonalds.online/]. This is not their official delivery website, nor is it recognized or related to McDonald’s.

The company is committed to ensure the safety of our consumers not just when they enjoy their favorite McDonald’s meals, but also as they share credentials when they use its various eCommerce platforms. The public is likewise encouraged to be extra careful and to conduct transactions only on official and verified sites. To confirm official McDonald’s Philippines sites, or to report fraudulent websites, one can email [email protected], and to the proper authorities at [email protected].

Please be reminded that McDonald’s products are only offered and sold in the official platforms and partners as follows: the official McDelivery website [mcdelivery.com.ph], the official McDonald’s PH App, the official McDonald’s Facebook [facebook.com/McDo.ph] page, Grab, foodpanda, Lazada, pickaroo and GLife.

Lifestyle, News

#MagparehistroKa: Vote Pilipinas informs the public that registration for the 2022 elections is only two weeks away

 

At only over two weeks until the national elections in 2022, Vote Pilipinas, a non-partisan, non-profit online and offline voter registration campaign, encourages Filipinos eligible to vote to register for the next elections.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been operating a nationwide synchronized mall registration since September 11 in an apparent attempt to facilitate more voter applications in the country. This link will take you to a list of all Robinsons, SM, and Ayala Malls in the Philippines that are conducting voter registration.

Everyone is encouraged to be guided by the reminders from COMELEC:

  1. Voter registration is suspended in ECQ areas, and will automatically resume once the quarantine status is downgraded to MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ or no quarantine classification.
  2. Only applications from residents of the locality where the mall is located, or from those intending to transfer their registration record to the locality, will be accommodated.
  3. Limited number of slots in consideration of mall hours and strict adherence to health protocols.
  4. Application forms are available for free at the site. Forms may also be downloaded at comelec.gov.ph, or accomplished online at irehistro.comelec.gov.ph. For application forms filled out via the mobile app, just present the QR code.
  5. Bring at least one valid ID (original and photocopy) and your own ballpen.

Vote Pilipinas will be hosting the last leg of its #MagpaRehistroKa Town Halls this month on September 20, 2021 entitled Magparehistro Ka! A Town Hall for Overseas Filipino Workers and another one on September 24, 2021 for the Magparehistro Ka! GRAND TOWN HALL for the last stretch before the Sept. 30 voter registration deadline. Available over Zoom, Facebook Live, and Kumu, these town halls will be a virtual gathering of key officials from the COMELEC where they get to share the latest news on the country’s election systems and voter registration.

Finally, Vote Pilipinas urges everyone to join the Magparehistro Ka! Challenge, a social media campaign designed to encourage newly registered voters to upload selfies and captions explaining why it is vital for them to vote.

To take part in the challenge, newly registered voters must simply share a photo of themselves on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the message “Bakit mahalagang magparehistro?” Participants must follow @votepilipinas on Twitter, use the hashtags #MagpaRehistroKa, #VotePilipinas, #RegisteredtoVote, and #LiveSmartVoteSmart on Instagram, and send a photo of their registration stubs and verification of entries to the Vote Pilipinas account. Visit Vote Pilipinas on Facebook for more information.

For more information on voter registration requirements and process, visit www.votepilipinas.com .

 

About Impact Hub Manila
Impact Hub Manila (IHM) is a social impact incubator and a network of impact-driven entrepreneurs and change-makers. Five years since it opened its doors in the Philippines, IHM has directly supported over 500 entrepreneurs,reached over 20,000 individuals through its events, training, incubation programs, and funneled over 1 million USD – worth of grants and entrepreneurial support. The Impact Hub network is present in 100 cities and 56 countries worldwide. The United Nations in Geneva recognizes IHM as a key driver for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

 

Lifestyle, News

BGC’s Project Buyanihan and the 8 participating social enterprises to support quarantine protocols

Many businesses shutdown all thoughtout the country as the effect of the current pandemic. With small businesses and social enterprises popping up here and there and opportunity to support local and try out buying from our fellow Filipinos but it also opened up the door for them to explore new markets. To support for local communities, many different homegrown social enterprises have become part of Project Buyanihan in BGC.

In partnership with the Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation (FBDFI), Buyanihan is a passion project which offers free retail spaces for selected social enterprises along Bonifacio High Street. Eight social enterprises participated and will be back as soon as the quarantine protocols permit.

  1. Fresh market goods from Benguet Collective Producers

The first one, Benguet Collective Producers, allows the community to shop all sorts of market goods fresh from Benguet. Benguet Farmers Collective is composed of upland farmers from Sablan whose livelihoods were affected during the pandemic. With the community’s support every weekend, the partner farmers shared how the project enabled them to send their kids to school and provide for their families.

  1. Curated and handwoven finds from Mask For A Cause PH

Another one is Mask For A Cause PH which supports women weavers all around the country by providing additional income opportunities. They curate and promote Filipino handwoven masks and other cultural products from various ethnic communities in the Philippines like Iloilo, Zamboanga, and more. Each item, design, markings and symbols from their masks and other collections are unique and one of a kind. In just one weekend in BGC, they were able to surpass their regular month’s sales and further strengthen the support for local weavers.

  1. Cultural and unique items from Abra Indigo Manila

With a vision of addressing the cultural disconnect we have with our cultural heritage, Abra Indigo Manila is an all-Filipino social enterprise showcasing local and indigenous cultures through various products like face masks, accessories, apparel, and home essentials.

  1. Made for Pinoys skincare from Diwatang Maria

Diwatang Maria, on the other hand, is a skincare brand that aims to address the need of Pinoys when it comes to skincare. They produce only organic and natural products using plant derivatives to help local communities. Each variant serves as a declaration of Filipino ingenuity as they promote the brave, compassionate, and fearless stories of Diwatas Filipinos grew up to.

  1. Farm fresh produce with SANFA

You can also find a group of farmers from San Antonio, Quezon, who bring lowland crops and produce. San Antonio Natural Farmers (SANFA) work towards making agriculture a profitable and sustainable endeavor for the community.

  1. Must have finds made by former inmates

Many people lost their jobs during the pandemic, and finding a source of income is even more difficult for former inmates. BJMP’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Livelihood Program aims to provide livelihood projects to past offenders by training them with skills, which do not only help provide them with sustainable earnings for their families, but can also aid them in making their reintegration to society a bit easier. This includes crafting mandala pots made of clay, stylish bayong bags, lampshades, and even acrylic paintings.

  1. Satisfy Taho cravings with Bacoor Collective Producers

With stricter community quarantine protocols, taho producers and vendors are not allowed to roam around the village streets. Bacoor Collective Producers, through Project Buyanihan, has found a new market where they can also sell other soy products.

  1. Organic Plantito / Plantita needs by Homegrown Harvest

Last but not the least, Homegrown Harvest, makes it easy for everyone to grow their own food at home while helping a local community. They offer pre-planted containers, raised beds, and even monthly maintenance check-ins and other services.

Through this social enterprises, we get to be aware of their advocacies and make it well-known to many, it helps expand their reach but this is just the start of BGC’s venture towards helping local communities. These products are not only supported by #BGCitizens, but this also reinforces a greater social impact.

Project Buyanihan resumes in BGC this weekend! Just visit https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph and https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/ on Facebook for other news and updates.

 

 

 

 

News

Bukas, a provider of education financing solutions, has added new partner universities like as De La Salle University, UA&P, and others.

Bukas.ph Partner University of Asia and the Pacific

Bukas, a tech-enabled education financing platform, expands its scope with new affiliates from private universities such as De La Salle University, University of Asia and the Pacific, Panpacific University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, St. Louis University, Colegio de Dagupan, and St. Paul University – Quezon City, providing much-needed access to education to Filipino youth.

A third of Filipinos do not have access to higher education, with cost being a major stumbling block. In certain circumstances, students may have attended for a few semesters but find that their financial position at home prevents them from continuing and completing their degrees. The annual 10-15% dropout rate that many schools in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, face reflects this.

Bukas.ph Partner De La Salle University

“This new partnership between DLSU and Bukas is very timely as many of our students continue to feel the effects of the pandemic on their family’s resources.  With Bukas’ tuition installment plans, we can provide our students more options to fund their education so that their learning continues during these difficult times,” shares Dr. Christine Joy A. Ballada, Dean of Student Affairs of De La Salle University.

BUKAS PH Team

Committed to serving Filipino students, Bukas is offering an affordable, complementary solution that aims to empower Filipino families to build a better tomorrow through quality education. The offering is accessible to more families and students who are not able to rely on bank loans, or scholarships. With a base monthly interest rate of up to 1.5% that is lower than other financing institutions, and payment installments up to 12 months, Bukas makes it sustainable to parents, and even to working students to manage their school finances.

Bukas’ parent company ErudiFi’s development, which included the integration of new educational institutions and important employees across several business sectors, was made possible by a US$5 million Series A financing led by Monk’s Hill Ventures and Qualgro earlier this year. In 2020, ErudiFi will have grown thrice and will continue to increase its influence in the Philippines by partnering with schools all around the country. Bukas today includes 27 partner institutions, including Mapua University, Far Eastern University, Adamson University, Our Lady of Fatima University, PHINMA Education Network, University of Nueva Caceres, Centro Escolar University, and Eskwelabs, among others, with presence on 57 campuses

Bukas Country Manager_Jon Robert Emlano

 “Welcoming new partners to our platform gives more and more Filipino students the opportunity to study in their dream schools through more sustainable means. The number of out-of-school youth continues to grow, and we want to be part of the solution as we help set them on the path toward building a better future,” shares Jon Robert Emlano, Country Manager of Bukas.